Kona N - 1st Track CUV
This car is a hoot to drive and it also causes lots of glances over as you tear away from other cars when you are simply just driving around. Even in eco mode the exhaust has some nice notes. The only issue is the suspension, but that should be expected given that this is a track ready car.
A very practical adult Go-Kart!
I bought the only white Kona N available east of the Mississippi River at the time of sale. It is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned after owning a string of great vehicles starting with a then-new 1968 Z28 Camaro. Subsequently, I sold the quickest car I have ever owned- which was a 2010 335I BMW (With the "M" Performance Package and JBM/Barger Performance Module without ever looking back! M
A true enthusiast car masquerading as a crossover!
I’ve had my Kona N for a week now and it’s an absolute hoot. First, the amount of customization the N cars give you is unparalleled at this price point. The stock N mode cranks everything to 11, but it can be a bit much for commuting. Fortunately the custom mode lets you tweak everything from the suspension to transmission’s responsiveness. I personally like to have everything cranked to the max other than the suspension, which I leave in its lowest setting, and the exhaust, which I keep in sport rather than sport +, but you are free to season to your own tastes. In its softest mode the ride quality is fine for daily driving, just don’t expect it to feel like a Lexus or Cadillac. The fun factor and overall performance are amazing. The steering has a ton of feel, is quick, direct, and well weighted with minimal understeer. The throttle response is instant, and I personally don’t pick up on much turbo lag. The car hugs the road and pulls out of corners like a traditional hot hatch, and the brakes are great. They’re potent but progressive-they come on steady and give you a ton of confidence, but they’re not an on/off switch, which I really appreciate. Hyundai’s wet dual clutch is one of the best automatics out there as well…really the only autos I’ve driven that can match it are in much, much more expensive cars. And the SOUND…just wow. I have no idea how the N folks make a four cylinder sound this amazing, but they do. In sport mode it sounds phenomenal and sport+ you get crackles and pops for days. Considering most performance 4 cylinders sound like angry vacuum cleaners, this is a welcome change. While all of this is great, what really brings it all home for me is the day to day livability, and in this regard I think the Kona N has a leg up on the Elantra N, which I’ve also driven. The seats are great. They hold you in but don’t feel too stiff, and the leather/suede combination (I’m not sure if they’re real or imitation materials, but they feel great) is nice. While the interior won’t be confused for a luxury car, it feels solidly built and all the touch points are nice enough that the car never feels cheap. All of the lighted interior parts illuminate in blue as well, which is a cool touch that people don’t seem to be talking about. As a daily driver it really gets the job done, and you can fit four average sized adults in it no problem…although people above 6 feet will probably struggle in the back seat, so keep that in mind. You also get the versatility of a hatchback which always comes in handy, and best of all, if your significant other isn’t an enthusiast or doesn’t want you driving something too compromised, this is a perfect middle ground. It gives you all the versatility of a small SUV with all of the fun of a hot hatch. If this sounds like something you’re into, go test drive one! Just be warned…you might leave with it. I checked out the N cars because I was curious and had some free time on a Sunday…but sure enough one appeared in my driveway a few days later. I used to daily a MK 7.5 GTI, and have been behind the wheel of some cool cars…including the current Camaro, several prominent German performance sedans and SUVs, a Golf R, a few Miatas, and others. At the end of the day I don’t think anyone is doing affordable fun better than the Hyundai’s N division. There are cars that are faster, cars that will be better at the track, comfier cars to daily, etc. But as far as pure driving joy for the money goes, look no further. Half the time I spend behind the wheel I’m giggling like a kid. To me, that’s what it’s all about, and if that sounds good to you I can’t recommend the Kona N as well as the other N cars enough. No one is making cars like this anymore, so enjoy them while we’ve got em.
